Labor groups on Thursday praised Gov. Andrew Cuomo's move to advance $1.5 billion for entities that receive state support as broader questions continue to hang over the state budget process. 

In a statement released by the New York AFL-CIO and backed by representative labor groups for teachers, auto workers, and public employees, the union leaders said the move would for now stave off layoffs. 

"It will also provide New York with a clearer picture of the economic landscape and allow us to have a better idea of federal funding to state and local governments, led by the efforts of the Biden administration," the labor groups said in the statement.

"Addressing this crisis during the state budget process, and with a more comprehensive approach that will include tax increases and revenue enhancers, will help to ensure that New York State gets back on solid financial footing, and more importantly, saves the jobs and livelihoods of tens of thousands of New Yorkers."

Labor unions are also pressing for a tax increase on wealthy New Yorkers to help close a multi-billion budget gap created by the COVID-19 crisis. It's not yet clear if lawmakers will return between now and the end of the year to take up a tax measure. Cuomo has urged the Legislature to wait for a clearer picture of what aid the federal government might send after Joe Biden is sworn in as president next month. 

At least one of the Democrats running in the crowded New York City mayoral primary is backing action now. Maya Wiley in a statement on Thursday called on the Legislature to return and take up a tax hike on upper income New Yorkers.

"Raising taxes on the wealthy while extending rent relief and ending evictions for New Yorkers is the right thing to do," Wiley said. "In this incredibly difficult and unpredictable time, all New Yorkers should feel secure in their homes and not have to worry about being thrown out in the cold. At the same time, asking the wealthiest New Yorkers to do their part and pay what they can easily afford in taxes will help stabilize budgets and ensure New York’s recovery is not placed on the shoulders of the same New Yorkers – especially women of color – who have already sacrificed so much for this city during COVID."